Improving the value of the performance appraisal system Essay

Improving the value of the performance appraisal system - Essay Example This motivates creative and positive discussion in the workplace. Additionally, using an appraisal for each employee plays a major role in the managers attempt to improve performance appraisals (Deb, 2009). This means that the manager will assess the ability and performance of all employees as per their capacity as opposed to having a general format that all employees use. This move will create a focus-driven discussion that will allow the manager discuss issues based on an individual. Lastly, empowering the employees will lead to an improved performance appraisal (Deb, 2009). This refers to the managers helping the employees set meaningful goals and plan well on how to implement the same. The employees will also feel that the manager trusts them and most will commit to fulfilling the set goals. If the employees set the goals well, and achieve them in the end, it means the performance appraisal is successful (Deb,

The factors affecting the rate of infiltration Essay Example for Free

The factors affecting the rate of infiltration Essay Method: the 2 sets of data are first rank so that the highest value has the highest rank, the difference between the 2 ranks for each location is then calculated. This refers to the letter d in the above equation. The letter n refers to the number of pairs of data points. The values are the entered in to the formulae to give the rs value. Below are the tables of calculations used to create the rs values for graphs 2 and 3. Analysis of graph 2 Soil compaction Rank A Rate of infiltration mm/min Rank B d Number of pairs of data 12 rs -0. 66084 Analysis of graph 3 Soil compaction Rank A Rate of infiltration mm/min Rank Number of pairs of data rs -0. 71429 Graph 2 creates a value of -0. 66084 which shows that there is a definite negative correlation between the rate of infiltration and the level of soil compaction. When this is compared to table 4 it gives a significance of 0. 025, which means there is a 2. 5% chance that the results were generated by chance. Graph 3 gave an rs value of -0. 71429 again showing that there is a negative correlation between infiltration and the % vegetation. The higher number shows that the correlation is stronger and the graph more closely follows a straight line. When referred to table 4 it gives a significance value of 0. 05 showing that there was a 5% chance that it was generated by chance. Table 3 shows the level of infiltration sorted in ascending order and allows the comparison of different factors to be made. % Ground cover by vegetation No of species Vegetation height cm Soil compaction Rate of infiltration mm/min Location 6, Dirt track frequently used by heavy machinery resulting in a heavily compacted soil with a loose covering of sand. 0Location 12, Permanent grass pasture grazed in summer months located on flood plains. Soil was wet and had and sticky. Location 2, Permanent pasture which has been grazed over the winter resulting in heavy trampling,   Location 9, Grassland for 2 years previous use was arable. 95 Location 10, 10 years set aside, ground was observed to have higher water content.   Location 5, Winter barley, prior land use was arable.   Location 8, 1 year set aside, prior use was arable. Location 4, Spring barley, prior usage was arable. 35 1 5 4 12 Location 7, Land recently ploughed, prior use was arable. 5 Location 11, Deciduous woodland. Location 3, Potato seedbed, field recently tilled, very soft ground, prior usage was arable. Table 3 Conclusion The most significant factor that affects the rate of infiltration is the level of soil compaction. Vegetation plays some role but it is difficult to differentiate between varying vegetation rates and soil compaction as the soil compaction is related to the vegetation that has been planted. From graph 2 it is clear that the level of soil compaction affects the rate of infiltration and the use of the land is the major factor affecting the level of compaction. The graph also shows 2 anomalies where the rate of infiltration is low while the soil compaction is high. This can be explained because the areas where these were taken were the marshland and the long term set aside. The marsh land was expected to have a low rate of infiltration because of the deposition of clays and silts by flooding have created a soil which has a greater % of clay and silt which reduces the spaces between soil particle which lowers the rate at which water can infiltrate the soil. It was also observed that the ground had a higher water content, which also reduces the rate of infiltration. The area of 10 year set aside was also noted to have higher water content. The reason for this is not so apparent but it could be related to a possible greater depth of an organic layer, which may help to retain water and slow the rate of infiltration. The graph did follow the hypothesis that was made. Graph 3 however did not follow the hypothesis that vegetation would increase the rate of infiltration. It in fact was the opposite of this. There are a few explanations for this, the increase in vegetation cover and therefore density of a root system would result in a laver of vegetation that would create a barrier impeded the rate of infiltration or the vegetation cover is linked to the level of compaction as areas of low vegetation levels have been tilled most recently and therefore there has been less time for compaction to occur or the vegetation could be responsible for drying out the soil leading to compaction. There had been very little rain in the past weeks, which could have lead to the formation f a hardened and impermeable crust. Table 3 shows the ranked data and from that it can be observed that there are no apparent trends between the number of species present or vegetation height and the rate of infiltration. The locations with the highest rates of infiltration were the potato ground followed by the woodland then the ploughed area. The potato ground has the highest rate because it is heavy cultivated to create a very loose soil structure for potatoes to grow in the high rate of infiltration would help to explain why it is necessary to frequently irrigate this land to maintain potato growth. The woodland has a high infiltration rate because there is a significant layer of loose litter and there is little compaction because no vehicles use this area. The areas of lowest infiltration were the marshland because of the increase in clay and the track because of the extreme level of compaction by tractors. This explains why erosion is significant in such areas because there is little or no infiltration resulting in a great deal of runoff. Evaluation The spearman statistical analysis shows that the results that were achieved had a reasonable significance level and it is unlikely that they were generated by chance. The determination of the rate of infiltration was accurate but the level of compaction was highly subjective and produced only an estimate. There are several other factors, which could be investigated in order to extend this investigation. These could concentrate on the soil structure and profile. This would require the drilling of core samples. the amount of water and organic matter could be investigated with the help of a laboratory. The investigation could also be extended to other farms to show the different affect on different soil and bedrock types. The effect of recent rainfall could also be investigated. Bibliography Geography for AS, By Clive Hart, 2000 Geography An Integrated Approach, David Waugh, 1990 Problem Solving Geography, Normam Law, David Smith, 1993 www. google. co. uk www. multimap. co. uk, aerial photos and Os maps http://www. nkw. ac. uk/bgs/w3/cust/images/map_50k_s. gif geological maps.

Financial Services Reforms Act

Financial Services Reforms Act SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION What are the main aims of the two financial services reforms from 2001—2012? There are two major reforms from 2001-2012 in the financial service industry, such as: Financial services reforms Act (2001) The FSRA introduced in October 2001, administrated by ASIC, become mandatory on 11th March 2002. The FSR amendments to the Corporations Act 2001 (the Act) introduced three main changes which are: Licensing and conduct of financial service providers. The FSR amendments to the Corporations Act 2001 (the Act) introduced a single licensing regime for financial advice and dealings in relation to financial products. An entity that operates a financial services business must now hold an Australian financial services (AFS) license or be authorized by a licensee. Introduced the training policy Known as RG 146, required to get the new AFSL (Australian Financial service License). The Act also seeks to provide consistent and comparable disclosure in relation to financial products and services (including) advice. A single authorization procedure for financial markets and clearing and settlement facilities Future of Financial Advice (FOFA) reforms:- FOFA became mandatory on 1 July 2013 (and was voluntary from 1 July 2012). The objectives of FOFA are to improve the trust and confidence of Australian retail investors in the financial services sector and improve access to advice. The FoFA reforms key elements are: A legal requirement for financial advisers to act in the best interests of their clients. A ban on conflicted remuneration being monetary and non-monetary benefits given to a licensee or representative who provides financial product advice (personal and general) to retail clients which could reasonably be expected to influence the choice of financial product recommended or the financial advice given. On-going fee arrangements requiring the provision of fee disclosure statements and renewal notices to retail clients receiving personal advice. Increased ASIC powers to enforce elements of the FOFA reforms. What does the best interest of the client mean? From the July 1st, 2013, as per new legislation known as The Future of Financial Advice (FOFA), financial advisors and planners in giving advice to their retail clients gives priority to the best interests of the customers. Now advisors didnt only advise their clients about only the products they have on their approved product list (APL) but also refers to their retail clients to other advisors APL, if it is in their best interest. They should not focus on their own fees, but it’s their duty as per legislation (FOFA) to consider the client interest ahead of their own interest. ASIC has explained this duty in the ASIC Regulatory Guide 175 as: Acting in the best interests of the client: best interests duty (s961B) Advice providers must act in the best interests of their client in relation to the advice. One way an advice provider can demonstrate they have done this is by showing they have carried out certain steps in advising their clients. These steps, which act as a ‘safe harbour’ for complying with the best interest duty, are set out in s961B (2). To satisfy the steps for safe harbour in s961B (2), an advice provider must: 1. Identify the objectives, financial situation and needs of the client that were disclosed by the client through instructions. 2. Identify the subject matter of the advice sought by the client (whether explicitly or implicitly). 3. Identify the objectives, financial situation and needs of the client that would reasonably be considered relevant to the advice sought on that subject matter (client’s relevant circumstances). 4. If it is reasonably apparent that information relating to the client’s relevant circumstances is incomplete or inaccurate, make reasonable inquiries to obtain complete and accurate information. 5. Assess whether the advice provider has the expertise required to provide the client with advice on the subject matter sought and, if not, decline to provide the advice. 6. If it would be reasonable to consider recommending a financial product: conduct a reasonable investigation into the financial products that might achieve the objectives and meet the needs of the client that would reasonably be considered relevant to advice on that subject matter; and assess the information gathered in the investigation. 7. Base all judgements in advising the client on the client’s relevant circumstances. 8. Take any other step that, at the time the advice is provided, would reasonably be regarded as being in the best interests of the client, given the client’s relevant circumstances. The licensee or authorized representative will bear the financial liability for any breach of duty. Individual advisors may be subject to administrative sanctions, but not financially liable for any breach of the duty. Prepare a checklist of what documents you must provide to your clients as per the reforms. As per Financial Service Reform Act 2001 the financial planners must provide FSG (Financial Service Guide) to the existing as well as new expected retail clients. The FSG is an important disclosure document as it helps the clients to decide whether to get financial services from a licensed. FSG must be given to the client as soon as practicable after it becomes apparent that the client will or likely to acquire financial service and in any event before the financial service is provided. It is important to know that FSG is not required when the client is not a retail client and where no financial service is provided. As per section (942 C), FSG must include:- The title â€Å"Financial Service Guide †on the cover of or at or near the front of the Financial Service Guide document. The FSG must be dated. The name and contact details of the licensee and (their license number) and the authorized representative and the statement showing that the advisor is an authorized representative of the licensee. Information about the types of financial services (as authorized under the license) offered to retail client. Information that a (SOA) statement of advice (not required for general advice) and /or a Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) may be provided to the client. Information about all the remunerations (including commission) and other benefits received or likely to be received on provision of financial services, including for referrals. Details of any associations/ relationships that may reasonably influence the licensee or the authorized representative in providing the services to the client. Information regarding client concern and the licensee dispute resolution systems. Details regarding the privacy of clients personal details and how such details will be used and handled (as per the privacy act regulation). Describes the different types of client leads? There are three types client leads:- Cold leads, generally referred to just name with little or no other information normally obtained from sources like database, phone book or third party. Their priority to contact is very low as they lack of qualifying information. When making contact with cold leads, it’s important to know that Hawking provisions may relate. Warm leads there is some prospect that contact will be productive and their detailed and specific information availability will ensure that they do not breach the hawking provisions must be specific. Hot leads are the ones where the prospect is known to be interested to take services of a financial planner. They may have asked directly for a product or service and these leads should be contacted at as early as possible. Which of the six basic steps in the financial planning would include lodgement of the paperwork and obtaining all the signatures necessary for the recommendations in the financial plan to be actioned? The six basic steps in the financial planning process are:- i. Preparation Fact Finding Data Analysis and developing a recommendation Preparing a written Recommendation Implementation Review On Implementation stage – Presenting recommendations and gaining agreement to proceed. At this stage after preparation of written recommendations, financial planner plan to take appointments from the client and well prepared financial planner at this stage have all the relevant documents ready for the clients signature. On completion of presentation, interview the paper work needs to be lodged promptly so that recommendations can be implemented and the plan commenced Why a financial plan may need to be reviewed? With the passage of time many things changes, so the financial plan also requires regular reviewing and change in order to make it more realistic. Here are a few reasons that call for to review and change of your financial plan. Variation in financial conditions: changes in the financial / economic condition in the economy have a greater effect on many investment decisions when you feel that your progress towards the achievement of planned goals becomes slow besides the required time lapsed because of changes in external conditions then you should modify /change your investment goals, make them achievable and profitable in present situations. Changes in income / Job: Because of uncertainty and unemployment in the market it is possible that any time may be you lose your job or your income not increase as expected, in both situations your contributions towards your financial goals will be reduced. On the other hand, if your salary increases beyond your expectations as because of promotion / bonus, this enables you to achieve your current financial goal earlier than planned or because of surplus funds you may look for new investments. Unexpected increase in expenses: Sudden medical / accident expenses rise in household expenses as overall prices of goods and services have increased may require to cut down your savings and if you have no other contingency fund in yours plan this can upset your financial goals and enforce to review and bring changes in your financial plan. New Goals: Trend in market change e as time passes like if you have invested in savings accounts, then you may want to invest your funds in building societies or credit unions or s unit trust if they are now offering better interest rates and lower tax benefit. Number of dependent: At the time when your children are small dependent on you then the yours financial goals will be to increase life insurance coverage, but as they grown up and settled in their life your priority changes and now you want to spend more for your health insurance, secondly no of children (dependent) or death of any family loved one also impact upon yours cash flows and yours financial plans Risk Tolerance Fator: When a person is young, he may take risky investments young and energetic and have less responsibilities, but as the time passes that person in older age will try to go for investments where the risk factor is very low as to safeguard his principal. What are the key recommendation areas? In developing the recommendations the key areas which the financial planner will consider are:- How the financial position can be improved - share, property, bonds, unit trust. Ways to accumulate funds for retirements. superannuation. Options to generate funds in retirement rollovers, pensions. Protection of beneficiaries will, life insurance, estate planning. How to protect lifestyles income protection, disability insurance. Protection of assets general insurance cover. Keeping in view the above mentioned key main areas, financial planner also follow the rule of â€Å"Know your client† which means trying to understand clearly what your clients want to achieve from investments of their fund. After clear understanding of the clients needs/ goals, following the rule ofâ€Å" Know your product† financial advisor determine by which available products or strategies the clients needs can be fulfilled in the planned time frame. Selection of different investment options /product advisors also keep in mind that there are certain external factors like economic and financial conditions in the economy, which may call for a change in investment strategies or increase in planned time frame of objectives. Finally, the advisors develop the actual recommendations of a financial plan and discuss these recommendations with the client so that at this stage they can be reviewed or altered as per client input. According to best business practice, how often should a client review interview take place? Financial advisors frequently review the financial plan to access its progress as it is still appropriate or required alteration with the consent of the client. Short term reviews normally take place in every six months on the basis of following reasons: Significant changes in the clients current life circumstances, such as get married, increases or decrease in dependents, change in income status or loss of job etc. Changes in the economic conditions like establishment of new monetary laws, inflation, changes in tax rates as these can affect the investments. Its clients own desire to have more frequent reviews However, routine reviews should take place about approx, every 12 months.

Womens Suffrage :: Women Suffrage Vote

People in this time viewed women as citizens, but only when it came to certain aspects. One of these aspects did not include the right to vote. The right to vote was for landowners or passed-down political power. By most of the authors in Chapter 10 (WRW, 276-294) women were looked at as inferior. Men have always been the strong one and they thought without man we would not be anywhere. Some even suggested that since the male had a penis he was automatically stronger than a woman who did not have one. If a man were to become castrated, he would ultimately be weaker and he would lose â€Å"virile qualities.† Women as we all know do not have the male reproductive organ, so we could ultimately conclude that this author thought of women as inferior. People also felt that a woman already had its responsibilities. The women’s job was to be there for the husband and bare his kids. The jobs that came with baring his offspring were to nurse and teach the kids and make sure the homestead is ready for the master. How would a woman have time to vote or think about current issues? The whole idea of a women voting just did not fit in most peoples minds. Many people have different views on what the role of a citizen is. Some view a person as a citizen if they take part in the community. But then again, some people view citizens as others that are aloud to vote and make a difference in our community. Some think that they must own land. Either way, the view is that people must have a part in the community. Pierre-Joseph Proudhon showed a very restricted view on women’s citizenship. In his piece, he speaks about the inferiority of women physically, intellectually, and morally. He shows how he feels that women â€Å"have no reason to exist other than in the couple and the family.† He makes it clear that he feels

Shiloh Essay -- essays research papers

Norma Jean Moffit is a simple, southern woman, but she is also a caterpillar who is discovering that there is more to life than crawling around on the ground. She has with-in her, the power to grow wings and fly away; The opportunity to view the world through the eyes of a butterfly. Since Larry's accident, she has come to realize that she has reached a crossroads in her life. If she goes straight on through, complacency and neglect are the only stops ahead. If she veers to either the left or right, there is mystery, knowledge, and change; The opportunity for a new life. It would appear with-in the story, she has opted for some change, and begins her adventure in experiencing new things such as "... cooking unusual foods - tacos, lasagna, Bombay chicken." She begins to work on her body, borrowing the idea from Leroy's rehabilitation equipment, which would otherwise be collecting dust in a corner of the house somewhere. She begins to take writing classes to improve her mind, which further represents her need for change and something new. She has, in a sense, taken on the masculine role in the household since Leroy has come home. She is the sole provider for the family, working behind the cosmetics counter at Rexalls. Her body building is indicative of the reversal in her role. When discussing the meaning on their names, Norma Jean tells Leroy that his name means 'the king'. He asks her if he is still king and she "... flexes her biceps and feels them for hardness." thus showing him that he is not. Furthermore, she 'drives the nail home' by telling him the meaning of her name. "Norma comes from the Normans. They were invaders." She has invaded, and taken over, his position as 'the head of the household'. At the end of the story "She turns towards Leroy and waves her arms .... she seems to be doing an exercise for her chest muscles." I believe that she was showing Leroy that she is strong enough, or has found the strength to leave him and forge a new path in life. Furthermore, I believe th at she was implying that she was never going to find the strength to carry the two of them through this relationship when she stated, early in the story, "Feel this arm. It's not as hard as the other one." Norma Jean is a woman who had accepted her marriage for what it was, until her husband came home. It was than that she r... ...o work at Rexalls, but attends classes during the evening. Eventually, she graduates with a degree in Journalism and moves from Kentucky to Atlanta to take a job working for one of the local papers. She now writes editorials and helps others by answering letters in her advice column under the assumed name Norma King. After a divorce that he openly opposed, Leroy sinks into a deeply depressed state. Drugs and alcohol become a constant in his life, and was to Leroy, the only way he could find to escape the harsh reality of his demise. After several failed jobs and one arrest for public intoxication he attempts to commit suicide by driving his car into a concrete abutment. His unsuccessful attempt places him into a rehabilitation center where he is counseled and eventually cured of his afflictions. During his stay in rehab, his reflections on the past forced him to open his eyes and it left a lasting impression on him. He is once again ready to face the world and feels as though he has finally started his life over. "Shiloh" by Bobbie Ann Mason As interpreted by: Mike Blades var yvContents='/toto?s=76000015&l=NE&b=1&t=940563698';yfEA(); -->

Hamlets Madness Essay -- essays papers

Hamlet's Madness Many critics frequently dispute the madness of Hamlet. It is very difficult to label Hamlet as either sane or insane because of his statement to Horatio stating that he will act mad. Even though he tell Horatio that he is acting mad, there are many reasons that can lead him to mentally breakdown. "Hamlet was a prince, by birth a prince; and he wished to reign only that good men might be good without obstruction (Wolfgang 22)." The crown was not hereditary, but if his father had stayed longer, it would have secured Hamlets hopes of succession. The death of his father was a major blow to his nobility because hi mother can remarry and that person would become King. The thought of loosing the crown can make many people commit villainous act's, like in the story of Macbeth, but it can also lead a person to breakdown mentally. "He hoped, in the company of his surviving noble-minded parent, to reverence the heroic form of the departed, but his mother too he loses, and it is something worse than death that robs him of her (Wolfgang 23)." A short time after ...

Delhi Metro

Delhi Metro (Hindi: Dilli Me? ro) is a rapid transit system serving Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida and Ghaziabad in the National Capital Region of India. It is one of the largest metro networks in the world. The network consists of six lines with a total length of 189. 63 kilometres (117. 83  mi) with 142 stations of which 35 are underground. It has a combination of elevated, at-grade and underground lines and uses both broad gauge and standard gauge rolling stock. Four types of rolling stock are used: Mitsubishi-ROTEM Broad gauge, Bombardier MOVIA, Mitsubishi-ROTEM Standard gauge and CAF Beasain Standard gauge. Delhi Metro is being built and operated by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited (DMRC)under Akshay Mittal. As of November 2010, DMRC operates around 2,700 trips daily between 6:00 and 23:00 running with an interval of 2 minutes 30 seconds between trains at peak frequency. 3][8] The trains are mainly of four coaches, but due to increase in passengers numbers, six-coach trains are also added on the Red Line (Dilshad Garden to Rithala), Yellow Line (Jahangirpuri to HUDA city centre), Blue Line (Dwarka sec ? 21 to Vaishali/NOIDA city centre) and Violet Line (Central Secretariat to Badarpur). [6][7][8][9] The power output is supplied by 25-kilovolt, 50 Hertz alternating current through overhead catenary. The metro has an average daily ridership of 1. 6 million commuters,[2] and, as of July 2011, had carried over 1. 25 billion commuters s ince its inception. 10] The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has been certified by the United Nations as the first metro rail and rail-based system in the world to get â€Å"carbon credits for reducing greenhouse gas emissions† and helping in reducing pollution levels in the city by 6. 3 lakh tonne every year. [11] Planning for the metro started in 1984, when the Delhi Development Authority and the Urban Arts Commission came up with a proposal for developing a multi-modal transport system for the city. The Government of India and the Government of Delhi jointly set up the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) in 1995. Construction started in 1998, and the first section, on the Red Line, opened in 2002, followed by the Yellow Line in 2004, the Blue Line in 2005, its branch line in 2009, the Green and Violet Lines in 2010 and the Delhi Airport Metro Express in 2011. | | History [edit] Background The concept of a mass rapid transit for New Delhi first emerged from a traffic and travel characteristics study which was carried out in the city in 1969. [12] Over the next several years, many official committees by a variety of government departments were commissioned to examine issues related to technology, route alignment and governmental jurisdiction. 13] In 1984, the Delhi Development Authority and the Urban Arts Commission came up with a proposal for developing a multi-modal transport system, which would consist of constructing three underground mass rapid transit corridors as well augmenting the city's existing suburban railway and road transport networks. [14] While extensive technical studies and t he raising of finance for the project were in progress, the city expanded significantly resulting in a twofold rise in population and a fivefold rise in the number of vehicles between 1981 and 1998. 14] Consequently, traffic congestion and pollution soared, as an increasing number of commuters took to private vehicles with the existing bus system unable to bear the load. [12] An attempt at privatising the bus transport system in 1992 merely compounded the problem, with inexperienced operators plying poorly maintained, noisy and polluting buses on lengthy routes, resulting in long waiting times, unreliable service, extreme overcrowding, unqualified drivers, speeding and reckless driving. 15] To rectify the situation, the Government of India and the Government of Delhi jointly set up a company called the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on March 5, 1995 with E. Sreedharan as the managing director. [16] [edit] Construction Physical construction work on the Delhi Metro started on Oct ober 1, 1998. [17] After the previous problems experienced by the Kolkata Metro, which was badly delayed and 12 times over budget due to â€Å"political meddling, technical problems and bureaucratic delays†, the DMRC was given full powers to hire people, decide on tenders and control funds. 18] The DMRC then consulted the Hong Kong MTR on rapid transit operation and construction techniques. [19] As a result, construction proceeded smoothly, except for one major disagreement in 2000, where the Ministry of Railways forced the system to use broad gauge despite the DMRC's preference for standard gauge. [20] The first line of the Delhi Metro was inaugurated by Atal Behari Vajpayee, the then Prime Minister of India on December 24, 2002[21] and thus it became the second underground rapid transit system in India, after the Kolkata Metro. The first phase of the project was completed in 2006[22] on budget and almost three years ahead of schedule, an achievement described by Business Week as â€Å"nothing short of a miracle†. [23] [edit] Network Main article: List of Delhi metro stations The Delhi Metro is being built in phases. Phase I completed 65. 11  km (40. 46  mi) of route length, of which 13. 01  km (8. 08  mi) is underground and 52. 10  km (32. 37  mi) surface or elevated. The inauguration of the Indraprastha–Barakhamba Road corridor of the Blue Line marked the completion of Phase I on October 27, 2006. 22] Phase II of the network comprises 128  km (80  mi) of route length and 79 stations, and is fully completed, with the first section opened in June 2008 and the last line opened in August 2011. [24] Phases III (112  km) and IV (108. 5  km) are planned to be completed by 2015 and 2021 respectively, with the network spanning 413  km (257  mi) by then. [25 Red Line Main articl e: Red Line (Delhi Metro) The Red Line was the first line of the Metro to be opened and connects Rithala in the west to Dilshad Garden in the east, covering a distance of 25. 09 kilometres (15. 59  mi). 27] It is partly elevated and partly at grade, and crosses the Yamuna River between Kashmere Gate and Shastri Park stations. [30] The inauguration of the first stretch between Shahdara and Tis Hazari on December 24, 2002, caused the ticketing system to collapse due to the line being crowded to four times its capacity by citizens eager to have a ride. [31][32] Subsequent sections were inaugurated from Tis Hazari – Trinagar (later renamed Inderlok) on October 4, 2003,[33] Inderlok – Rithala on March 31, 2004, and Shahdara – Dilshad Garden on June 4, 2008. [34] [edit] Yellow Line Main article: Yellow Line (Delhi Metro) The Yellow Line was the second line of the Metro and was the first underground line to be opened. [35] It runs for 44. 36 kilometres (27. 56  mi) from north to south and connects Jahangirpuri with HUDA City Centre. The northern and southern parts of the line are elevated, while the central section through some of the most congested parts of Delhi is underground. The first section between Vishwa Vidyalaya and Kashmere Gate opened on December 20, 2004, and the subsequent sections of Kashmere Gate – Central Secretariat opened on July 3, 2005, and Vishwa Vidyalaya – Jahangirpuri on February 4, 2009. 34] This line also possesses the country's deepest Metro station at Chawri Bazaar, situated 30 metres (98  ft) below ground level. [36][37] On 21 June 2010, an additional stretch from Qutub Minar to HUDA City Centre in Gurgaon was opened, initially operating separately from the main line. However, Chhatarpur station on this line opened on August 26, 2010. Due to delay in acq uiring the land for constructing the station, it was constructed using pre-fabricated structures in a record time of nine months and is the only station in the Delhi metro network to be made completely of steel. 38][39] The connecting link between Central Secretariat and Qutub Minar opened on September 3, 2010. [40] Interchanges are available with the Red Line at Kashmere Gate station, Blue Line at Rajiv Chowk Station, Violet Line at Central Secretariat , and with the Indian Railways network at Delhi and New Delhi railway stations. [41][42] [edit] Blue Line Main article: Blue Line (Delhi Metro) The Blue Line was the third line of the Metro to be opened, and the first to connect areas outside Delhi. 43] Partly overhead and partly underground,[44] it connects Dwarka Sub City in the west with the satellite city of Noida in the east, covering a distance of 47. 4 kilometres (29. 5  mi). [43] The first section of this line between Dwarka and Barakhamba Road was inaugurated on December 3 1, 2005, and subsequent sections opened between Dwarka – Dwarka Sector 9 on April 1, 2006, Barakhamba Road – Indraprastha on November 11, 2006, Indraprastha – Yamuna Bank on May 10, 2009, Yamuna Bank – Noida City Centre on November 12, 2009, and Dwarka Sector 9 – Dwarka Sector 21 on October 30, 2010. 34] This line crosses the Yamuna River between Indraprastha and Yamuna Bank stations,[30] and has India's first extradosed bridge across the Northern Railways mainlines near Pragati Maidan. [45] A branch of the Blue line, inaugurated on January 8, 2010, takes off from Yamuna Bank station and runs for 6. 25 kilometres (3. 88  mi) up to Anand Vihar in east Delhi. [46] It was further extended up to Vaishali which was opened to public on July 14, 2011. [47][48] A small stretch of 2. 76 kilometres (1. 71  mi) from Dwarka Sector 9 to Dwarka Sector 21 was inaugurated on October 30, 2010. 49][50] Interchanges are available with the Yellow Line at Rajiv Cho wk station,[44] and with the Indian Railways network at the Anand Vihar Railway Terminal. [51] [edit] Green Line Main article: Green Line (Delhi Metro) Opened in 2010, the Green Line was the first standard-gauge corridor of the Delhi Metro. [28] The fully elevated line connects Mundka with Inderlok, running for 15. 1 kilometres (9. 4  mi) mostly along Rohtak Road. [52] An interchange with the Red line is available at Inderlok station via an integrated concourse. [53] This line also has the country's first standard-gauge maintenance depot at Mundka. 54] [edit] Violet Line Main article: Violet Line (Delhi Metro) The Violet Line is the most recent line of the Metro to be opened, and the second standard-gauge corridor after the Green Line. The 20. 2  km (12. 6  mi) long line connects Badarpur to Central Secretariat, with 9  km (5. 6  mi) being overhead and the rest underground. [29] The first section between Central Secretariat and Sarita Vihar was inaugurated on October 3, 20 10, just hours before the inaugural ceremony of the 2010 Commonwealth Games, and connects the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium which is the venue for the opening and closing ceremonies of the event. 55] Completed in just 41 months, it includes a 100  m (330  ft) long bridge over the Indian Railways mainlines and a 167. 5  m (550  ft) long cable-stayed bridge across an operational road flyover, and connects several hospitals, tourist attractions and a major industrial estate along its route. [29] Services are provided at intervals of 5 min. [55] An interchange with the Yellow Line is available at Central Secretariat through an integrated concourse. [29] On January 14, 2011, the remaining portion from Sarita Vihar to Badarpur was opened for commercial service, adding three new stations to the network and marking the completion of the line. Airport Express The Airport Express line runs for 22. 7  km (14. 1  mi) from New Delhi Railway Station to Dwarka Sector 21, linking the Indira Gandhi International Airport. The line is operated, by the Delhi Airport Metro Express Pvt. Limited (DAMEL), a subsidiary of Reliance Infrastructure, the concessionaire of the line. [56] Constructed at a cost of [pic]2,885 crore (US$548. 15 million),[57] the line has six stations (Dhaula Kuan and Delhi Aerocity became operational on August 15, 2011), with some featuring check-in facilities, parking and eateries. 58] Rolling stock consists of six-coach trains operating at intervals of ten minutes and having a maximum speed of 135  km/h (84  mph). [58] Originally scheduled to open before the 2010 Commonwealth Games, the line failed to obtain the mandatory safety clearance, and was opened on 24 February 2011, after a delay of around 5 months. [59][60] Finances [edit] Funding The capital cost of Phases I and II has been estimated to be [pic]14,430 crore (US$2. 74 billion) at 2004 prices. [73] However, more recent estimates have placed the cost of construction at [pic]200 crore (US$3 8 million) per kilometre. 74] Thirty percent of the total investment for Phases I and II has been raised through equity capital with the Government of India (GoI) and Government of Delhi contributing equal shares,[73] and approximately another 60 percent has been raised as either long-term or subordinate debt, through soft loans from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation. [75] The rest of the investment is proposed to be recovered from internal revenues through operations and property development. [73] The Metro also received [pic]1,914. 3 crore (US$363. 7 million) as grant-in-aid from various agencies for the financial year ending March 2009. 76] As of August 7, 2010, Delhi Metro has paid back an amount of [pic]567. 63 crore (US$107. 85 million), which includes loan amount for Phase I and interest amounts for Phases I and II, to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). [77] [edit] Revenue and profits In 2007, the Delhi Metro claimed to be one of only five metro sys tems in the world that operated at a profit without government subsidies. This was enabled by keeping maintenance costs to a minimum and harnessing additional revenue from advertisements and property development, apart from ticket sales. 78][79] The Metro also generates revenue by leasing out its trains and stations for film shoots. Due to its increasing association with Delhi as an image of the city's everyday life, it has been a popular filming location for production houses, and several films and advertisements have been shot on board. [80][81] Producers have to pay as much as [pic]1 lakh (US$1,900) for every hour of filming, besides a security deposit and insurance. [80] For the financial year ended March 2008, the Metro reported operating revenues of [pic]305. 27 crore (US$58 million) and a profit before tax of [pic]19. 8 crore (US$3. 8 million),[82] which rose to [pic]723. 77 crore (US$137. 5 million) and [pic]90. 43 crore (US$17. 2 million) respectively for the financial year ended March 2009. [76] Operations Trains operate at a frequency of 3 to 4. 5 minutes between 6:00 and 23:00. Trains operating within the network typically travel at speeds below 80  km/h (50  mph), and stop about 20 seconds at each station. Automated station announcements are recorded in Hindi and English. Many stations have services such as ATMs, food outlets, cafes and convenience stores. Eating, drinking, smoking, and chewing of gum are prohibited in the entire system. The Metro also has a sophisticated fire alarm system for advance warning in emergencies, and fire retardant material is used in trains as well as on the premises of stations. [83] Navigation information is available on Google Transit. [84] The first coach of every train is reserved for women. [85][86] [edit] Security Security on the Delhi Metro is handled by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), who have been guarding the system ever since they took over from the Delhi Police in 2007. 87] Closed-circuit cameras are used to monitor trains and stations, and feed from these is monitored by both the CISF and Delhi Metro authorities at their respective control rooms. [88] Over 3500 CISF personnel have been deployed to deal with law and order issues in the system, in addition to metal detectors, X-ray baggage inspection systems and dog squads which are used to secure the system. [89] Intercoms are pr ovided in each train car for emergency communication between the passengers and the Train operator. 90] Periodic security drills are carried out at stations and on trains to ensure preparedness of security agencies in emergency situations. [91] [edit] Ticketing For the convenience of customers, Delhi Metro commuters have three choices for ticket purchase. The RFID tokens are valid only for a single journey on the day of purchase and the value depends on the distance travelled, with fares for a single journey ranging from [pic]8 (US$0. 15) to [pic]30 (US$0. 57). Fares are calculated based on the origin and destination stations using a fare chart. 92] A common ticketing facility for commuters travelling on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses and the Metro will be introduced in 2011. [93] Travel cards are available for longer durations and are most convenient for frequent commuters. They are valid for one year from the date of purchase or the date of last recharge, and are availabl e in denominations of [pic]100 (US$1. 9) to [pic]800 (US$15. 2). A 10% discount is given on all travel made on it. [94] A deposit of [pic]50 (US$0. 95) needs to be made to buy a new card. [92] Tourist cards can be used for unlimited travel on the Delhi Metro network over short periods of time. There are two kinds of tourist cards valid for one and three days respectively. The cost of a one-day card is [pic]100 (US$1. 9) and that of a three-day card is [pic]250 (US$4. 8), besides a refundable deposit of [pic]50 (US$0. 95) that must be paid at the time of purchasing the card. [92] As the network has expanded, high ridership in new trains have led to increasing instances of overcrowding and delays on the Delhi Metro. [95][96] To alleviate the problem, orders for new 6 coach trains have been placed and an increase in the frequency of trains has been proposed. 95] Infrequent, overcrowded and erratic feeder bus services connecting stations to nearby localities have also been reported as an area of concern. [97][98] In 2010, severe overcrowding on the Yellow Line, which connects the north and south campuses of Delhi University, was reported to be a reason for students missing or reporting late for classes. [99] [edit] Ridership Delhi Metro recorded the highest ever ridership figu re of 2,066,925 on 20 August 2011, which surpassed the earlier record set on 01 August 2011, when 1,830,944 people traveled by the Metro. 100] Currently, DMRC has a pool of 200 train sets with 69 of these being six coach formations. At present; the Delhi Metro is operational on six lines where more than 2500 train trips are made each day traversing over 69000 KMs in a day. With Phase-III of the network expected to cover about 108 kilometers, the Delhi Metro network will become 295 kilometers by 2016 making it one of the fastest expanding Metro networks in the world carrying about 4 million (40 lakh) passengers. [101] [edit] Accidents On October 19, 2008, a girder launcher and a part of the overhead Blue Line extension under construction in Laxmi Nagar, East Delhi collapsed and fell on passing vehicles underneath. Workers were lifting a 400-tonne concrete span of the bridge with the help of a crane when the launcher collapsed along with a 34 metres (112  ft) long span of the bridge on top of a Blueline bus killing the driver and a labourer. [102] On July 12, 2009, a portion of a bridge under construction collapsed when its launching girder lost balance as it was being erected at Zamrudpur, near East of Kailash, on the Central Secretariat – Badarpur corridor. Six people were killed and 15 others injured. [103] The day after, on July 13, 2009, a crane that was removing the debris collapsed, and with a bowling pin effect collapsed two other nearby cranes, injuring six. [104] On July 22, 2009 a steel beam fell on a worker at the under-construction Ashok Park Metro station, killing him. [105] Over a hundred people, including 93 workers, have died since work on the metro began in 1998. [106] [edit] Rolling stock The Metro uses rolling stock of two different gauges. Phase I lines use 1,676  mm (5. 499  ft) broad gauge rolling stock, while three Phase II lines use 1,435  mm standard gauge rolling stock. [108] Trains are maintained at seven depots at Khyber Pass and Sultanpur for the Yellow Line, Mundka for the Green Line, Najafgarh and Yamuna Bank for the Blue Line, Shastri Park for the Red Line and Sarita Vihar for the Violet Line. [29][109][110][111][112] [edit] Broad gauge The broad gauge rolling stock is manufactured by two major suppliers. For the Phase I, the rolling stock was supplied by a consortium of companies comprising Hyundai Rotem, Mitsubishi Corporation, and MELCO. The coaches were initially built in South Korea by ROTEM,[113] then in Bangalore by BEML through a technology transfer arrangement. [114] These trains consist of four 3. 2-metre (10  ft) wide stainless steel lightweight coaches with vestibules permitting movement throughout their length and can carry up to 1500 passengers,[115] with 50 seated and 330 standing passengers per coach. 116] The coaches are fully air conditioned, equipped with automatic doors, microprocessor-controlled brakes and secondary air suspension,[117] and are capable of maintaining an average speed of 32  km/h (20  mph) over a distance of 1. 1  km (0. 68  mi). [116] The system is extensible up to eight coaches, and platforms have been designed accordingly. [115] The rolling stock for Phase II is being supplied by Bombardier Transportation, which has received an order f or 614 cars worth approximately US$ 1100 million. 118] While initial trains were made in Germany and Sweden, the remainder will be built at Bombardier's factory in Savli, near Vadodara. [119] These trains are a mix of four-car and six-car consists, capable of accommodating 1178 and 1792 commuters per train respectively. The coaches possess several improved features like Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras with eight-hour backup for added security, charging points in all coaches for cell phones and laptops, improved air conditioning to provide a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius even in packed conditions and heaters for winter. 120] [edit] Standard gauge The standard gauge rolling stock is manufactured by BEML at its factory in Bangalore. The trains are four-car consists with a capacity of 1506 commuters per train,[121] accommodating 50 seated and 292 standing passengers in each coach. [116] These trains will have CCTV cameras in and outside the coaches, power supply connections inside coaches to charge mobiles and laptops, better humidity control, microprocessor-controlled disc brakes,[122] and will be capable of maintaining an average speed of 34  km/h (21  mph) over a distance of 1.   km (0. 68  mi). [116] [edit] Airport Express Eight 6-car trains supplied by CAF Beasain of Spain were imported. [123] CAF holds 5% equity in the DAME project, Reliance Infrastructure holds the remaining 95%. [57] The trains on this line are entirely different from the existing ones and have in-built noise reduction features for a noise-free ride with padded fabric seats. The coaches are equipped with LCD screens for entertainment of the passengers and also provide flight information for convenience of air travellers. The trains are fitted with an event recorder which can withstand high levels of temperature and impact and the wheels have flange lubrication system for less noise and better riding comfort. [124] [edit] Maglev On 7 December 2011, the government informed the Rajya Sabha that it was planning to introduce magnetic levitation wheel-less trains on the Delhi Metro. Minister of State for Urban Development Saugata Roy said: â€Å"The Delhi Metro proposes to introduce the wheel-less trains. The introduction of Maglev technology of Metro connectivity by DMRC is only at a conceptual stage for the present. â€Å"[125] The Maglev technology uses magnetic levitation to suspend, guide and propel mass rapid systems. [edit] Signalling and telecommunication The Delhi Metro uses cab signalling along with a centralised automatic train control system consisting of automatic train operation, Automatic Train Protection and automatic train signalling modules. 126] A 380  MHz digital trunked TETRA radio communication system from Motorola is used on all 6 lines to carry both voice and data information. [127] For Line 3,4 Siemens Transportation Systems has supplied the electronic interlocking Sicas, the operation control system Vicos OC 500 and the automation control system LZB 700 M. [128] An integrated system comprising optical fibre cable, on-train radio, CCTV, and a centralised clock and public address system is used for telecommunication during train operations as well as emergen cies. 129] For Line-1 and Line-2 ALSTOM has supplied signalling system and for line 5,6 Bombardier has supplied signalling system. [edit] Environment and aesthetics The Delhi Metro has won awards for environmentally friendly practices from organisations including the United Nations,[130] RINA,[131] and the International Organization for Standardization,[131] becoming the second metro in the world, after the New York City Subway, to be ISO 14001 certified for environmentally friendly construction. [132] Most of the Metro tations on the Blue Line conduct rainwater harvesting as an environmental protection measure. [133] It is also the first railway project in the world to earn carbon credits after being registered with the United Nations under the Clean Development Mechanism,[134] and has so far earned 400,000 carbon credits by saving energy through the use of regenerative braking systems on its trains. [135] The Metro has been promoted as an integral part of community infrastructure, and community artwork depicting the local way of life has been put on display at stations. 136] Students of local art colleges have also designed decorative murals at Metro stations,[137] while pillars of the viaduct on some elevated sections have been decorated with mosaic murals created by local schoolchildren. [138] The Metro station at INA Colony has a gallery showcasing artwork and handicrafts from across India,[139] while all stations on the Central Secretariat – Qutub Minar section of the Yellow Line have panels installed on the monumental architectural heritage of Delhi. [